BY: FT Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev has reiterated Moscow’s stated commitment to a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine crisis, saying Russia remains open to negotiations while safeguarding its national interests.
Addressing a briefing at the Russian Embassy in Islamabad on October 1, Ambassador Khorev discussed the latest situation in and around Ukraine, covering military, political, economic, legal and humanitarian aspects of the conflict.
The ambassador said Russia’s State Duma elections held on September 20 recorded voter turnout of more than 59 percent. He alleged that the electoral process faced external pressure, cyberattacks and Ukrainian drone attacks, but said these efforts did not prevent Russian citizens from exercising their right to vote.
On the Ukraine conflict, Khorev described it as a broader confrontation involving Russia and Western countries. He alleged that NATO members were providing Ukraine with military, intelligence, communications and financial assistance, contributing to the continuation of the conflict.
The ambassador also criticized Western sanctions against Russia, claiming that the restrictions had affected European economies and disrupted international trade and supply chains. Citing Russian estimates, he said the European Union suffered losses of between €1 trillion and €1.6 trillion from the adverse effects of sanctions between 2022 and 2025, while European companies that withdrew from Russia incurred estimated losses of €400–450 billion.
Khorev said sanctions had also accelerated the use of national currencies in international trade and contributed to the development of alternative financial and trade mechanisms through platforms including BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and ASEAN.
Discussing maritime security, the Russian envoy expressed concern over developments in the Black and Azov Seas and criticized Western measures targeting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” He also alleged an increase in attacks on civilian vessels and warned that continued escalation could affect international shipping and global food and energy security.
On global wheat supplies, Khorev said Ukraine accounts for around 7 percent of global wheat exports, while Russia’s share is approximately 23 percent. He argued that restrictions affecting Russian agricultural exports could have wider implications for global food security.
The ambassador also referred to the June 15, 2026 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, saying the tribunal rejected a number of Ukrainian claims concerning compensation, reparations and maritime areas and resources linked to Crimea and the Sea of Azov. These comments reflected the Russian side’s interpretation of the ruling.
Khorev further raised concerns over the situation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and what he described as restrictions on religious freedoms in Ukraine.
He also addressed allegations concerning Ukrainian children and disputed figures cited regarding children allegedly taken from Ukraine, calling for the issue to be examined through what he described as verifiable information and established mechanisms.
Concluding the briefing, Ambassador Khorev said Moscow remained ready for the continuation of negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict, provided Russia’s national interests were taken into account.
He also rejected suggestions that Russia was preparing military action against European Union or NATO countries, saying Moscow had no plans or motivation to escalate the situation with Europe.
The briefing also featured an exhibition titled “Crimean Gold: ‘Civilized’ Europe Plunders Russian Treasures,” showcasing archaeological artifacts discovered in Crimea. Khorev said Russia’s position was that such artifacts should be returned to Crimea.
